Assessing injuries
1) Gently open your cat’s mouth and pull the tongue forward. Clean the mouth with a piece of cotton. It is important to tilt the head downwards to make sure no fluids are inhaled.
2) Count the number of the cat’s breaths, either in or out, but not both, for one to two minutes. A healthy breathing rate is between 20 to 30 breaths every minute.
3) Check the cat’s pulse on the hind leg. count the number of beats per minute. The rate should be approximately 160-140 beats per minute.
Checking reflexes
Eyelid reflex
Checking the eyelid reflex requires only gently touching the corner of the feline’s eyelid. Be careful not to touch the cat’s eyeball. If the cat is at all conscious, it should automatically blink.
Foot reflex
Tenderly pinch the web of skin between the cat’s toes. The cat should react by flexing or twitching its leg if it is conscious.
Ear reflex
Flick or gently touch the tip of the cat’s ear flap with one of your fingers. A conscious cat should respond by twitching its ears.
Collapse and Shock
If a cat experiences a serious accident or injury, it may go into a state of shock. The body will be cold to the touch, and the breathing and pulse will be very fast.
It is vital to make the cat as warm as possible (unless it has symptoms of heatstroke. This is explained further down the page). You may (loosely) wrap it in blankets and towels, but be careful not to suffocate the victim.
If a cat is unconscious or is struggling to breathe properly, place it on its side with its head tilted downward. Open the cat’s mouth and ensure that it has a clear airway.
DO NOT LET AN UNCONSCIOUS CAT LIE ON THE SAME SIDE FOR MORE THAN 5-10 MINUTES, AND NOT ADMINISTER ANYTHING BY MOUTH. Chances are, that if you try to give a cat medicine or any food or drink while unconscious, it will not be able to swallow by itself, and you risk the cat choking.
If the cat is not conscious, or is having trouble breathing, turn it on its side gently, and tilt its head downward. Carefully open its mouth and make sure the airway is not blocked by any small objects.
Accidents
The most important and most valuable thing you can do for any injured animal is to ALWAYS CONTACT A VET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Whether or not the victim appears to have any external injuries, it should always be examined more closely by a trained professional, since the damage may be internal. A vet can also be contacted for advice on how to properly care for the injured cat. (Remember, this is what vets are for!) Don’t try to perform extreme operations on any injured animal yourself, unless you are a professional veterinarian. You may actually end up worsening the injury.
Falling Accidents
A cat that falls from a tree is unlikely to be harmed, but falls from greater heights (for example, a four or five-story building, which sadly does occur when cats tumble from apartment buildings) could result in severe injury. A careful cat owner should keep their windows closed or have screens to prevent their pet from falling from an open window.
Moving an unconscious cat
Step 1:
It is important to move an injured cat from any dangerous area before trying to give any medical attention. A blanket or a towel will make a perfect stretcher. Lay the blanket out on the ground flat (make sure there are no sharp or uncomfortable objects underneath). It is ideal to lay the blanket as close to the cat as possible to keep physical contact at a minimum. Internal or external damage can be worsened by jostling or jarring movement or contact. Slowly ease the cat into the blanket/towel, making sure to be gentle and not irritate or worsen any ailments.
Step 2:
With the aid of an assistant, carefully lift the corners of the blanket. Be sure the cat does not slide off. If the feline is still conscious, someone will be needed to restrain it.
Step 3:
Make sure that the airway is clear by getting rid of any liquid in the mouth and gently pulling the tongue outward.
Step 4:
Transporting an injured cat is most safely done by placing the cat into a secure container, such as a large, sturdy box. DO NOT REMOVE THE CAT FROM THE MAKESHIFT STRETCHER TO PLACE IT IN THE CONTAINER. Use the stretcher to lower it into the container, making sure to move slowly and be gentle.
Step 5:
Seek medical attention. If possible, transport the cat to a vet as soon as possible, or call a vet to ask for advice. DO NOT REMOVE THE CAT FROM THE CONTAINER, AND DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TOUCH OR PET. It is safer to refrain from any unnecessary contact with the injured feline as to avoid further injury.
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